Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for facilitating the debate. Towns and communities face significant challenges and opportunities that require a co-ordinated and comprehensive response, and I certainly welcome this new policy initiative. One important element of Town Centre First is that it will facilitate a response by towns of all sizes in order that their streetscapes can function as the sustainable and vibrant heart of the communities they serve.

Killala, in the north of County Mayo, is a place that is full of history, having played an important role during the rebellion of 1798, and it now serves as one of the many jewels on the Wild Atlantic Way. I was delighted, therefore, to see that the town was selected under the Town Centre First initiative, announced in December of last year. Killala will be provided with €100,000 to support the development of its unique master plan to map out its future developments. My colleague Councillor Jarlath Munnelly played a key role in banging the drum on this issue for his local community. I am excited to see the results of the master plan and I hope it will serve as a template for tackling dereliction and revitalising our town centres. The master plans will allow for making towns more attractive places in which to live, work, socialise and run a business. I very much hope that in the coming years, they will result in many town centres where the dark shadows of dereliction are but a memory and where the sounds of the hustle and bustle are prevalent after people come back to live at the heart of our town centres.

I suggest that the initiative be extended for 2022, with further towns added. For instance, it is very important to build on the progress of the town centre living initiative, in which Ballinrobe was a pilot town. Councillor Michael Burke regularly highlights opportunities the town presents. Ballyhaunis is another prime candidate where a master plan is required to address concerns and to capitalise on opportunities in a more co-ordinated manner. Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce and Councillor John Cribbin have many ideas for the locality and will be more than willing to share them with the Department.

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